Running down the field, senior full back Rogelio Topete dodged the defense, and stepping across the goal line for a score, he let out a yell and ran back to his teammates — and this was just practice.
Rugby, an emotional sport that is popular across the world, has made its way onto campus and has become a big part of a handful of students’ lives. The players compete in the Texas Rugby Union Men’s Division III against other schools across the state.
Many rugby players in the U.S. don’t make their way to the sport until they’re in college and trying to find a transition from high school without a football scholarship.
“I played football in high school, took a couple years off, and then found rugby,” Topete said. “It was a perfect match for me.”
The sport, which is similar to a mix of American football and soccer, includes high-speed collisions and can be brutal at times, but the players still enjoy it.
Freshman Abraham Blanco, who has been playing for a few years, has seen some hard hits during his time on the field.
“Last weekend we played TCU, and one of our guys broke his shoulder,” Blanco said. “Injuries happen when you play sloppy.”
The rugby team has players from around the country and the world, including junior Nicolas Schu, who is French.
“In France, the two main sports are soccer and rugby,” Schu said. “I just like rugby more.”
Aside from the rough play, the rugby team shows a great amount of sportsmanship. The best part of the match usually comes afterward, when the two teams shake hands and talk.
“That’s my favorite part,” Topete said. “Sure, the game is a ton of fun, but it’s great to shake hands and hang out with someone you were trying to tackle five minutes beforehand.”
The rugby team, which consists of 15 players on the field at one time, is always on the lookout for more players to join in on the fun.
“In rugby, there’s a position for everyone, no matter what shape or size,” Schu said.
